Joe Hamm
Drummer • Composer • Songwriter • Producer • Educator

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Joseph "Joe" Hamm (born January 19, 1986) is an American drummer, composer, songwriter, producer, and educator. He is known for his contributions to jazz, rock, and community-based music education, and has performed, recorded, and collaborated with numerous artists and organizations across the United States.

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Early Life and Education

Joe Hamm grew up in a musical family in Northern Virginia and began playing piano at age six. In middle and high school, he was active in the local punk and alternative scenes—forming bands, performing at grassroots venues, and recording DIY releases with a group of friends passionate about live music and community.

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In 2005, he was accepted into the Department of Music at Christopher Newport University in Virginia, where he specialized in Jazz Studies and Performance. He earned his Bachelor of Music in Jazz Studies in 2010.

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Career Highlights

 

Chasing Arrows & Early Recognition

In 2008, Hamm gained national attention as drummer for the band Chasing Arrows, which was nominated for an MTV Woodie Award and performed live at the Roseland Ballroom in New York City. The band entered negotiations with major record labels during a time of industry transition—coinciding with the Great Recession and the rise of independent artist platforms.

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Music Education & El Sistema Work

In 2009, Hamm joined Soundscapes, an El Sistema-inspired nonprofit music program in Hampton Roads, Virginia. As a founding Teaching Artist, he taught percussion ensembles, orchestras, chamber groups, and bucket bands. He also contributed to media production and strategic planning.

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He served as a founding board member of El Sistema USA from 2014 to 2020, co-leading workshops and presenting at national symposiums in Philadelphia, Los Angeles, Durham, Detroit, and New York City. Hamm collaborated with artists and institutions including Eric Booth, Dan Trahey, Carnegie Hall, the LA Philharmonic’s Youth Orchestra Los Angeles (YOLA), and the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra.

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He was honored with El Sistema USA’s Extraordinary Service Award in 2021, and the Decade Service Award from Soundscapes in 2019.

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During the pandemic, Hamm co-composed See My Friends Again with Soundscapes students—a reflection piece that premiered as part of Carnegie Hall’s In Response virtual concert. His work with the global El Sistema movement is featured in the 2016 book Playing for Their Lives by Eric Booth and Tricia Tunstall.

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Performance & Virginia Projects

In the 2022–2023 academic year, Hamm served as Adjunct Professor and Artist in Residence at Christopher Newport University, teaching jazz combo and drum set improvisation.

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He also recorded with The Jonah Ross Band on the 2022 EP These Days, which received a VEER Local Music Award nomination for Best EP in 2023.

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During his time in Norfolk, he performed with the Jacob Vanko band, the Jonah Ross band, and founded Park Place Jazz Nights, a recurring live concert series highlighting regional jazz artists and building community through music.

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He has shared stages opening for major acts including Vertical Horizon, Carbon Leaf, The National Reserve, Butcher Brown, and Sponge. His performance credits include collaborations with jazz and fusion legends Kurt Elling, Arturo Sandoval, Chris Botti as part of the Ella Fitzgerald Jazz Festival, and performance Victor Wooten at the Soundscapes Gala. 

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Relocation to Nashville, TN

In August 2024, Hamm moved to Nashville with his wife Paige and their two dogs, Luna and Tidus. Within eight days, he was playing jam sessions and quickly became active in the Nashville music scene.

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In his first year in Nashville, Hamm:

• Released a full-length album with Sophie the Stray

• Released an EP with Blue Sky Bandits

• Formed Triple Dare, a working jazz band with multiple Nashville residencies

• Founded Mix It Up, a fast-paced co-writing and recording series producing 10 original songs in 3-hour sessions

• Joined the Nashville Musicians Association Local 257

• Partnered with Music City Movement, Creative Pulse Nashville, and Music Declares Emergency U.S.

• Partnered with innovative song-request app YODL

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Professional Affiliations

• Nashville Musicians Association Local 257

• ASCAP (American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers)

• Music City Movement (Partner)

• Creative Pulse Nashville (Partner)

• Music Declares Emergency U.S. (Partner)

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Awards & Recognitions

• MTV Woodie Award Nominee – Chasing Arrows (2008)

• Extraordinary Service Award – El Sistema USA (2021)

• Decade Service Award – Soundscapes (2019)

• Adjunct Professor & Artist in Residence – Christopher Newport University (2022–2023)

• VEER Local Music Award Nominee – Jonah Ross These Days (2023)

• Jazz for Justice Featured Performer (2016)

• Millennial on the Move – Coastal Virginia Business Magazine (2021)

• Daily Inspiration Feature – Nashville Voyager Magazine (2025)

• Playing for Their Lives – Reference and Feature (2016)